The Reef (Haifa) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on offer. To be straight with you, the next sixteen days are looking pretty grim for a paddle. The Reef (Haifa) is the only spot that’s shown up, and it’s an inconsistent beach-and-reef setup that’s exposed to westerly swell. The water temp is sitting about average for the time of year, nothing wild there.

The whole first week, from Monday the 3rd of August right through to Sunday the 9th, is a write-off. We’re looking at tiny swell – around 2ft to 2ft – with a short period of 4 to 7 seconds, so it’s weak and gutless. The combined wave energy is barely a whisper, sitting between 15 and 46 (weak energy). On top of that, the wind is mostly cross-onshore or onshore, from the NW or WSW, so it’s choppy and messy. The forecast is calling it “poor surf conditions” across the board, and I’m not about to argue with that. There’s nothing here for a surfer to get excited about.

The following week doesn’t offer much more hope. From Monday the 10th of August to Thursday the 13th, it’s more of the same: tiny 1.0ft to 2ft swell, short periods, and combined energy still well under 50 (weak). The wind remains a problem, mostly cross-onshore, so the surface is going to be bumpy. It’s a gap of about five days with no real surf to speak of.

Now, there is a flicker of something around the 14th and 15th of August. On Friday the 14th, the swell bumps up to 3ft to 3ft from the WNW, with a period of 8 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 101 to 111 (moderate wave energy) – finally, a bit of push. The wind is still cross-on from the WSW, so it won’t be perfect, but it’s a big step up from earlier. Saturday the 15th looks a little better again: the swell is 4ft to 4ft, same direction, period holding at 8 seconds, and the combined energy climbs to 167 to 192 (moderate). The morning has a light cross-shore from the SSW, which is the best wind we’ve seen all forecast. It’s still not a standout session, but if you’re desperate, that Saturday morning is the pick of a very poor bunch. It’s still only a beginner-friendly size, though.

After that, it drops back off. Sunday the 16th has 3ft swell dropping to 2ft, and the combined energy sinks to 81. The rest of the run from the 17th and 18th is back to tiny, weak surf with onshore winds. Honestly, this is a long blank run for the area. It’s more normal to see a quiet spell here, but it tends not to stay this poor for long. Forecasts can change, so keep an eye on it, but for now, I’d leave the boards in the car.

Rusty.

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